My Gifts

Itâ€™s almost 2 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. I collapsed from exhaustion earlier and Iâ€™m now up toâ€¦write? Okay, maybe Iâ€™m up for another helping of rice pudding.

Iâ€™ve been reflecting on all that I am thankful for this past year. Over the last month, Iâ€™ve been writing notes in my gratitude journal of things Iâ€™m thankful for each day. But there are so many more things from before I started this list. My life is filled with constant blessings.Â People that come into my life and knowingly or unknowingly push me forward, grace me with support, offer a smile, a hug (real or virtual), a word of comfort.

This past year I have lived my belief that everything happens for a reason. My gratitude cup runneth over. One Thousand Gifts brought this to the forefront of my mind and even in my daily struggles I return to that grace, those gifts that I am given every day.

I now catch a glimpse of every butterfly in my path and it is a reminder of beauty in spite of what Iâ€™m experiencing on any particular day. It makes me wonder of the life of that butterfly and the reason for being on my path. Makes me grateful for the flutter of wings, the flash of color.

Of course my frog princess is on the top of my list of gifts. My siblings, my dad. The friends that I count on to hold me up and cheer me on. More and more, I count on the new friends I have made on this online journey. Those that have crossed my path for a predetermined reason and purpose.

My Central Florida Latinas. For being a driving force and support system that I did not realize I needed but that Iâ€™m so glad I have.

And the brands. Ohemgee! I have had the best relationships with PR firms and brands directly. I feel so blessed to be able to connect with people personally, not just because of what they can offer but because of who they are.

There are so many people and groups that I can turn to these days. My online family has grown by leaps and bounds. I feel that Iâ€™ve reaped all of the positivity from this social media ride I started taking the day I posted my first blog.

Iâ€™m grateful for all of my answered prayers. From continued strength as I make my journey through school and bringing to life these passions of mine to knitting in wombs that are not mine but feel close enough to be my own. Grateful.

Iâ€™ve also learned to be grateful for the unanswered prayers because there is so much more that I cannot see in this world. My faith has grown in leaps and bounds through my trials and tribulations. And though I am human and still question why prayers are not answered, deep down I know thereâ€™s a purpose for everything I cannot yet see.

As I sit here in this not-so-quiet house with my siblings, dad and aunt under the same roof I say a prayer of thanks. Though through this time I expect to have my moments of sadness I will practice that hard eucharisteo that Ann Voskamp speaks of in her book and I will give thanks during the bad moments. Those that remind me of the gaping hole in the fabric of this family. Through it all, I give thanks.

My list of gratitude is too long to write down but I will continue to try to journal them because I do believe that gratitude is the key to continued blessings and a peaceful life.

Comments

Gratitude is key in all things! Beautiful post, Sili. Know you are on my prayer list for your projects and undertakings, and for strength. Prayer is a marvelous thing . . .
Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving every day!Martha Orlando recently posted.."Give Thanks to God for All He Has Done . . ."

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Chief Executive Mami

Sili Recio is a mom, blogger and activist based in Orlando, Florida. She is deeply committed to changing the world and works daily to inspire and empower women through storytelling and advocacy. Sili has been named as a Top Blogger by Latina Magazine and has attended White House summits with MomsRising, a grassroots organization advocating for moms and families. Read more →